__________________ "So let me get this straight. We have the event of the year on TV with millions watching around the world... and people want a punt, pass, and kick competition to be the halftime entertainment?? Folks, don't quit your day jobs."- Matty

Its certainly doesnt mean what it used too. One dream isnt enough anymore, no one is satisfied. How much can you consume? is the better question.

__________________ “Nobody’s going to be handed a job; not my standpoint, and I know Jay feels that way and I know Bruce feels the same way. You have to earn it. That’s what the NFL is about. Prove to me that you deserve to be on the field,’ and that’s the way it has to be in the NFL.”- McC

Seriously though, the American Dream is just being happy with your life. I have too many friends and family constantly overwhelming themselves with being richer, with being in a huge house, with moving to that next location. It's just sad to me. My wife might even be one of those people and I try to keep her grounded.

Maybe I'm being naive, but I feel like I'm living MY American Dream. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, I own a home that I love, I work in a job I get up and am excited to go to every day (almost ). Would I love more money? Sure. Do I wish there was more to do in this little town? Sure. Do I wish everything was 100% perfect in my life? Of course.

But I have better things to do than to think about what I could change/do to achieve that 100%.

__________________Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

Funny thing is to a US citizen the American Dream is most likely some level of individual (or direct family) financial well being. To a European, the American Dream is most likely perceived as some degree of world policeman status. To an impoverished Central American or Mexican, the American Dream is most likely some level of stability in life, an ability to hold a job without threat of political backlash and provide the basics to an extended family. To an Islamic man the American Dream is most likely defined in the demeaning of his spiritual beliefs and promotion of an alternate Religion. Where ever you go in the world, the American Dream will mean something different to those who seek it out, for some it is a driving force to achieve more for their family, for others it really is seen as an oppressive expression of American idealism.

Personally, I think the American dream is that of a land where one man having lost everything, or been born with everything, can live without fear - from police or politician, tyranny or anarchy-, and strive to provide a life for those that are important to him regardless of his religious belief, his socio-economic status, or his genetic make up.

I don't know that anyone has achieved what I would consider the pure American Dream, but certainly many in this country take much of it for granted, or see only the negative limitations of life in the real world, but everyone can and should strive to make the American Dream a reality, not only for himself, but for everyone else.

To NC_Skins, I love Carlin, but if you believe that clip 100%, then I feel sorry for you. The US offers alot to all it's citizens, not based on caste or sect, not based only on the dollars(although certainly on both sides of the aisle there are those who would hold down others that they disagree with).

to me it means that anyone has the opportunity to build their own wealth in any legal way possible. invent something, work at mcdonalds, play poker in vegas, start your own church, write, whatever you want. nothing is stopping you, you have a right to the top, only excuses can stop you.

this is coming from a straight, white man w no disabilities - take it for what it's worth.